Causas e Tratamentos de Distúrbios Ejaculatórios em Garanhões / Causes and Treatments of Ejaculatory Disorders in Stallions

A ejaculação é um complexo processo de eventos neurofisiológicos sincronizados em coordenação com vários sistemas e órgãos. Antes do advento da injeção intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides (ICSI), a ejaculação era um passo absolutamente essencial na reprodução. Os distúrbios ejaculatórios por sua vez são caracterizados pela não ocorrência do processo ejaculatório, mesmo que todos os demais parâmetros relacionados ao comportamento sexual apresentem-se normais. As principais causas dessas falhas ou alterações na ejaculação estão relacionadas à sensibilidade dolorosa durante a cópula, ejaculação retrógrada, disfunção psicogênica, obstruções do aparelho reprodutor masculino, urospermia, oligospermia ou azoospermia, além de falhas na contração da musculatura lisa do trato genital ou alterações musculoesqueléticas e neurológicas. O tratamento é dependente da causa primária de cada alteração. O controle da dor, ajustes no manejo, aumento do estímulo antes da coleta associados a tratamentos farmacológicos que atuam nas sinapses neuromotoras penianas tendem a resolver os principais distúrbios ejaculatórios, levando-se em consideração que as respostas a estes tratamentos são variadas de acordo com a individualidade do garanhão com relação a doses, protocolos, vias de administração e combinações de fármacos.(AU)

Ejaculation is a complex process of neurophysiological events synchronized in coordination with various systems and organs. Before the advent of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), ejaculation was an absolutely essential step in reproduction. Ejaculatory disorders, in turn, are characterized by the nonoccurrence of the ejaculatory process, even if all other parameters related to sexual behavior are normal. The main causes of these failures or changes in ejaculation are related to painful sensitivity during copulation, retrograde ejaculation, psychogenic dysfunction, obstructions of the male reproductive system, urospermia, oligospermia, azoospermia, in addition to failures in the contraction of the smooth muscles of the genital tract or musculoskeletal disorders and neurological. Treatment is dependent on the primary cause of each change. Pain control, management adjustments, increased stimulus before collection associated with pharmacological treatments that act on penile neuromotor synapses tend to resolve the main ejaculatory disorders, taking into account that the responses to these treatments vary according to the individuality of the stallion with regard to dosages, protocols, routes of administration and drug combinations.(AU)

Biotecnologias na preservação de espermatozoides felinos / Biotechnologies in the preservation of feline sperm

O gato doméstico é a única espécie da família Felídea sem risco ou iminência de extinção, diferente da maior parte dos felinos selvagens. Desta forma, o desenvolvimento e aprimoramento de diferentes biotécnicas reprodutivas, são essenciais para a manutenção da qualidade reprodutiva, tendo em vista a preservação de espécies mais vulneráveis. Além disso, as biotécnicas do sêmen são para as tecnologias reprodutivas, como a inseminação artificial (IA) e a fertilização in vitro (FIV). Sendo assim, o objetivo deste compilado bibliográfico foi abordar as principais técnicas de colheita, análise e preservação de sêmen/espermatozoides felino, assim como o uso dessas células em IA e FIV. Para a colheita do sêmen felino, diferentes métodos têm sido aplicados: ejaculação farmacológica, eletroejaculação e vagina artificial. Em caso de óbito do reprodutor, os espermatozoides recuperados do epidídimo também apresentam viabilidade reprodutiva. Ademais, a cinética espermática avaliada pelo sistema CASA, a morfologia e a morfometria são as principais análises que demonstram a qualidade espermática e refletem na fertilidade do ejaculado. O sistema CASA também avalia a trajetória individual de cada espermatozoide, que ao se agrupar em clusters, demonstra a heterogeneidade do ejaculado nas subpopulações. Contudo, os diluentes para a conservação e refrigeração dos espermatozoides felinos e as curvas de congelação ainda não estão totalmente estabelecidos e influenciam diretamente a viabilidade dos espermatozoides criopreservados. Diante disso, os resultados da utilização do sêmen felino após criopreservação são inconsistentes, sendo necessários mais estudos para elucidar melhores curvas de congelação e meios de diluentes para viabilizar a preservação do material genético dos gatos.

The domestic cat is the only species of the Felidea family without risk or imminence of extinction, unlike most wild cats. Therefore, the development and improvement of different reproductive biotechnologies are essential for the maintenance of reproductive quality for the preservation of the most vulnerable species. Furthermore, semen biotechnologies are the basis for reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Thus, the objective of this bibliographic compilation was to approach the main techniques of collection, analysis, and preservation of feline semen/sperm, as well as the use of these cells in AI and IVF. For feline semen collection, different methods have been applied: pharmacological ejaculation, electroejaculation, and artificial vagina. In case of death of the sire, sperm recovered from the epididymis also show reproductive viability. Moreover, the sperm kinetics evaluated by the CASA system, the morphology, and the morphometry are the main analyzes that demonstrate sperm quality and reflect on ejaculate fertility. The CASA system also evaluates the individual path of each sperm, which, when grouped into clusters, demonstrates the heterogeneity of the ejaculate in the subpopulations. However, diluents for the conservation and refrigeration of feline sperm and freezing curves are not yet fully established and directly influence the viability of cryopreserved sperm. Therefore, the results of using feline semen after cryopreservation are inconsistent, and further studies are needed to elucidate better freezing curves and diluents to enable the preservation of the genetic material of cats.

Investigating a method for pharmacologic semen collection in alpacas

Abstract While semen evaluation is standard practice prior to a sale or when infertility is suspected in other species, it is rarely done in camelids due to the difficulties involved in collecting a sample. The reproductive physiology of alpacas differs to that of other domestic animals and is still poorly understood. In the stallion, a technique was developed for semen collection that pharmacologically induces ejaculation without copulation (ex copula). This study investigates whether semen could be reliably collected by ex copula ejaculation in male alpacas. Eleven male Huacaya alpacas were used in this study, and six ex copula treatment protocols were evaluated: (1) saline (control); (2) xylazine only (0.1 mg/kg); (3) xylazine only (0.2 mg/kg); (4) imipramine only (1.0 mg/kg); (5) imipramine (1.0 mg/kg) followed 10 minutes later with xylazine (0.1 mg/kg); and (6) imipramine (2.0 mg/kg) followed 10 minutes later with xylazine (0.1 mg/kg). Each treatment protocol was repeated two to five times. Azoospermic samples obtained from ex copula ejaculation contained numerous epithelial cells but no sperm. A reliable treatment for pharmacologically inducing ejaculation in alpacas remains to be found.

Investigating a method for pharmacologic semen collection in alpacas

While semen evaluation is standard practice prior to a sale or when infertility is suspected in other species, it is rarely done in camelids due to the difficulties involved in collecting a sample. The reproductive physiology of alpacas differs to that of other domestic animals and is still poorly understood. In the stallion, a technique was developed for semen collection that pharmacologically induces ejaculation without copulation (ex copula). This study investigates whether semen could be reliably collected by ex copula ejaculation in male alpacas. Eleven male Huacaya alpacas were used in this study, and six ex copula treatment protocols were evaluated: (1) saline (control); (2) xylazine only (0.1 mg/kg); (3) xylazine only (0.2 mg/kg); (4) imipramine only (1.0 mg/kg); (5) imipramine (1.0 mg/kg) followed 10 minutes later with xylazine (0.1 mg/kg); and (6) imipramine (2.0 mg/kg) followed 10 minutes later with xylazine (0.1 mg/kg). Each treatment protocol was repeated two to five times. Azoospermic samples obtained from ex copula ejaculation contained numerous epithelial cells but no sperm. A reliable treatment for pharmacologically inducing ejaculation in alpacas remains to be found.(AU)

Protocolos para contenção química e eletroejaculação para coleta de sêmen de queixadas (Tayassu pecari) / Chemical restraining and electroejaculation protocols for semen collection in white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari)

Background: In order to reverse the White-lipped peccary decline, besides protecting its habitat and controlling hunting,it is necessary a captive breeding program. There are reports, however, on the low fertility of white-lipped peccary, makingit difficult its reproduction in captivity, making artificial insemination one of the main tools to prevent the loss of geneticdiversity of species kept in captivity. Information on safe methods of anesthesia and the collection of semen should beinvestigated. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of the anesthetic protocols acepromazine/ketamine and xylazine/ketamine, as well as electroejaculation protocols, for semen collection in white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari).Materials, Methods & Results: Twelve adult male white-lipped peccaries were submitted both to the xylazine/ketamineand acepromazine/ketamine anesthetic protocols. The anesthetic induction time and duration, the degree of muscle relaxation, the time for anesthetic recovery and the quality of the animals’ recovery were evaluated. Additionally, the qualityof the sedation was evaluated based on the animal’s behavior. We also evaluated the effect of drugs on erectile functionsas well as the efficiency of 3 electroejaculation protocols with increasing or fixed voltages (2 to 4 V; 5 to 12 V; 12 V). Theacepromazine/ketamine combination promotes shorter induction time, duration and recovery from anesthesia than thexylazine/ketamine association. There were no differences, however, between the tested anesthetic protocols in relation toheart rate, respiratory rate and temperature. Ejaculate was obtained from only 2 animals when using the xylazine/ketamineprotocol and adoption of stimuli between 5 and 12 V, with 10 stimuli at each voltage. In turn, ejaculate was obtained from4 animals submitted to the acepromazine/ketamine protocol, 3 of them with the adoption of stimuli between 5 and 12 V...

Protocolos para contenção química e eletroejaculação para coleta de sêmen de queixadas (Tayassu pecari) / Chemical restraining and electroejaculation protocols for semen collection in white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari)

Background: In order to reverse the White-lipped peccary decline, besides protecting its habitat and controlling hunting,it is necessary a captive breeding program. There are reports, however, on the low fertility of white-lipped peccary, makingit difficult its reproduction in captivity, making artificial insemination one of the main tools to prevent the loss of geneticdiversity of species kept in captivity. Information on safe methods of anesthesia and the collection of semen should beinvestigated. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of the anesthetic protocols acepromazine/ketamine and xylazine/ketamine, as well as electroejaculation protocols, for semen collection in white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari).Materials, Methods & Results: Twelve adult male white-lipped peccaries were submitted both to the xylazine/ketamineand acepromazine/ketamine anesthetic protocols. The anesthetic induction time and duration, the degree of muscle relaxation, the time for anesthetic recovery and the quality of the animals recovery were evaluated. Additionally, the qualityof the sedation was evaluated based on the animals behavior. We also evaluated the effect of drugs on erectile functionsas well as the efficiency of 3 electroejaculation protocols with increasing or fixed voltages (2 to 4 V; 5 to 12 V; 12 V). Theacepromazine/ketamine combination promotes shorter induction time, duration and recovery from anesthesia than thexylazine/ketamine association. There were no differences, however, between the tested anesthetic protocols in relation toheart rate, respiratory rate and temperature. Ejaculate was obtained from only 2 animals when using the xylazine/ketamineprotocol and adoption of stimuli between 5 and 12 V, with 10 stimuli at each voltage. In turn, ejaculate was obtained from4 animals submitted to the acepromazine/ketamine protocol, 3 of them with the adoption of stimuli between 5 and 12 V...(AU)

Diagnosis and management strategies for urospermia in stallions / Diagnóstico e estratégias de manejo na urospermia em garanhões

Urospermia, contaminação do sêmen com urina durante a ejaculação, é considerada a segunda causa mais frequente de disfunção ejaculatoria em garanhões. A presença de urina no sêmen pode afetar drasticamente a fertilidade através do pH alcalino e alta osmolaridade da urina, além de causar uma potencial inflamação uterina após a cobertura ou inseminação artificial. Esta condição pode estar associada a outras doenças como cistite, herpesvírus equino-1 e paralisia periódica hipercalêmica; no entanto, causas idiopáticas são as mais comuns. Por esse motivo, o tratamento da urospermia pode ser frustrante e o prognóstico para a resolução completa dessa condição costuma ser desfavorável. Garanhões que sofrem de urospermia são frequentemente diagnosticados após resultados frustrantes de fertilidade e baixa qualidade do sêmen. O diagnóstico de urospermia é baseado na aparência amarela e odor típico, presença de cristais de urina, pH alcalino, além do aumento da creatinina e níveis de nitrogênio. O tratamento da urospermia é desafiador, já que a maioria dos casos é idiopática, limitando as opções terapêuticas. No entanto, quando uma condição primária é diagnosticada, ela deve ser tratada para tentar resolver a causa da urospermia. Na maioria dos casos, as terapias direcionadas à redução da contaminação da urina incluem a redução da quantidade de urina na bexiga antes da cobertura ou coleta de sêmen, tratamento farmacológico para auxiliar o fechamento do colo da bexiga durante a ejaculação, ou a coleta apenas da porção rica em esperma através da coleta fracionada do ejaculado. O método mais simples e estabelecido para o manejo da urospermia é encorajar o garanhão a urinar antes da coleta de sêmen ou cobertura natural. No entanto, quando a coleta de sêmen livre de urina não é possível, o sêmen contaminado com urina pode ser processado para minimizar os efeitos adversos do pH e da osmolaridade ao esperma. O sêmen contaminado com urina deve ser diluído com diluente à base de leite no intuito de diminuir os efeitos deletérios da urina sobre os espermatozoides. A centrifugação com gradiente de densidade a fim de selecionar os espermatozoides com características superiores também é uma alternativa nesses casos. Além disso, a criopreservação de sêmen contendo baixos níveis de contaminação com urina pode ser realizada.

Urospermia is the contamination of semen with urine during ejaculation. Urospermia is the second most frequent ejaculatory dysfunction of stallions. It can drastically affect fertility mediated by alkaline pH, the high osmolarity of urine, and presumably excessive post-breeding inflammatory response. This condition can be associated with many other diseases (i.e., cystitis, equine herpesvirus-1, and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis); however, idiopathic causes appear to be predominant. For this reason, the treatment of urospermia can be frustrating, and the prognosis for complete resolution of this condition is often poor. Stallions suffering from urospermia are usually diagnosed after poor semen quality and fertility results. Diagnosis of urospermia is based on the yellow appearance, urine smell, urine crystal, alkaline pH, increased creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels. The treatment for urospermia is challenging. Most cases are idiopathic, thereby limiting therapeutic options. However, when a primary condition is diagnosed, it should be treated to solve the cause of urospermia. In most cases, therapies directed at reducing urine contamination include reducing the amount of urine in the bladder before breeding, pharmacological treatments to enhance bladder neck closure during ejaculation, or collecting only the sperm-rich portion of the ejaculate using an open-ended artificial vagina are used to manage stallions with urospermia. The simplest and most established method for managing urospermia is to encourage the stallion to urinate before semen collection or natural breeding. However, when the collection of semen free from urine is not possible, urine-contaminated semen can be processed to minimize the adverse effects of pH and osmolarity on the sperm. Semen contaminated with urine should be immediately extended with a milk-based extender to mitigate the deleterious effects of urine on the sperm. Single-layer gradient centrifugation can also be used to select sperm with superior traits for low urine contamination. In addition, semen cryopreservation can be performed in stallion semen with a low level of urine contamination.

Evaluation of the libido of Pantaneiro stallions

The objective with this study was to evaluate the libido and sexual behavior of Pantaneiro stallions in Brazil in two periods, the rainy and dry seasons. Their sexual behavior was evaluated during mating with mares in estrus, and the libido was scored for statistical analysis. The reaction time and time to mount and ejaculate were 78.1±64.6 s and 289.0 s, respectively. The most relevant events of sexual behavior observed in the Pantaneiro stallions were mounting without erection, mounting without ejaculation, smelling, and vocalizing. In general, the season did not affect the libido of stallions. Even with the high temperatures and humidity, which could cause thermal stress, the stallions showed good libido score during most of evaluations, with some individual differences. Pantaneiro stallions are able to breed mares during the entire year and could facilitate the breeding management to raise the number of Pantaneiro horses of the herds and optimize the use of the stallions during the breeding season, with more females per male.(AU)

Características do comportamento hiperativado de espermatozoides de felinos domésticos / Characteristics of the cat sperm hyperactivated behavior

Sperm hyperactivity is a physiological behavior, and in the feline species it is characterized by an increase in the curvilinear velocity (VCL) and a greater head beat (ALH) evaluated by the CASA system. The study aimed to compare and correlate kinetic parameters of Hyperactive and Non-Hyperactive feline ejaculates when considering the means of VCL and ALH. Ejaculates were collected by electro ejaculation from 21 cats. The seminal samples had the kinetic parameters evaluated by the CASA system. From the average values of VCL and ALH, the ejaculates were classified in group HP (Hyperactivated, when VCL>190.17µm/s and ALH>6.44µm) and NHP (Non-Hyperactivated, when VCL<190.17 and ALH<6.44 µm). A T test and Pearson's correlation were performed with a significance of p<0.05. Among the groups, were detected higher values of total (HP: 68,2% vs NHP: 35,9%) and progressive (HP:40,1% vs NPH: 17,18%) motility, VAP (HP: 165,85µm/s vs NHP: 97,72 µm/s), VSL (HP:137,63µm/s vs NHP 82,6µm/s), VCL (HP: 237,31µm/s vs NHP: 147,94µm/s) and ALH (HP: 7,28µm vs NHP:5,42µm) for the HP group. There was a correlation in the HP ejaculates between total and progressive motility. In the NHP group, a correlation was observed between motility and progressive motility, and between progressive motility and STR and LIN. It was concluded that HP spermatozoa have a higher curvilinear speed, while NHP spermatozoa stand out due to their straight path.

Características do comportamento hiperativado de espermatozoides de felinos domésticos / Characteristics of the cat sperm hyperactivated behavior

Sperm hyperactivity is a physiological behavior, and in the feline species it is characterized by an increase in the curvilinear velocity (VCL) and a greater head beat (ALH) evaluated by the CASA system. The study aimed to compare and correlate kinetic parameters of Hyperactive and Non-Hyperactive feline ejaculates when considering the means of VCL and ALH. Ejaculates were collected by electro ejaculation from 21 cats. The seminal samples had the kinetic parameters evaluated by the CASA system. From the average values of VCL and ALH, the ejaculates were classified in group HP (Hyperactivated, when VCL>190.17µm/s and ALH>6.44µm) and NHP (Non-Hyperactivated, when VCL<190.17 and ALH<6.44 µm). A T test and Pearson's correlation were performed with a significance of p<0.05. Among the groups, were detected higher values of total (HP: 68,2% vs NHP: 35,9%) and progressive (HP:40,1% vs NPH: 17,18%) motility, VAP (HP: 165,85µm/s vs NHP: 97,72 µm/s), VSL (HP:137,63µm/s vs NHP 82,6µm/s), VCL (HP: 237,31µm/s vs NHP: 147,94µm/s) and ALH (HP: 7,28µm vs NHP:5,42µm) for the HP group. There was a correlation in the HP ejaculates between total and progressive motility. In the NHP group, a correlation was observed between motility and progressive motility, and between progressive motility and STR and LIN. It was concluded that HP spermatozoa have a higher curvilinear speed, while NHP spermatozoa stand out due to their straight path.(AU)

Trehalose addition to a Tris-fructose egg yolk extender on quality of ram sperm preserved at 0 °C

The present study investigated the effects of various concentrations of trehalose in Tris-fructose egg yolk diluent on ram semen preservation at 0 ℃. Semen was collected by artificial vagina ejaculation from six rams of proven fertility. High-quality ejaculates were diluted with 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, and 20 mM trehalose of Tris-fructose egg yolk extender and control (tris-fructose egg yolk extender without trehalose), respectively. Then, the ejaculates were diluted to a concentration of 5×108 sperm/mL, cooled to 0 ℃ for 90 min, and maintained at that temperature for twelve days. The diluted semen samples were examined, and their sperm progressive motility, membrane functionality, and acrosome integrity recorded at 0, 24, 72, 144, 216, and 288 h. Two hundred ninety-six ewes were transcervically inseminated with the 216-h control (without trehalose) or the optimal trehalose concentration group semen, and the pregnancy and lambing rates were measured. No significant differences were established in the sperm progressive motility and membrane functionality among the control and 5, 10, 15, and 20 mM groups. The sperm samples of trehalose addition groups had no significant difference in the acrosome integrity of sperm, but they were, nonetheless, significantly higher than those in the control. No significant difference was detected in the lambing and pregnancy rates between the 5 mM and control groups. These results suggest that ram sperm is capable of fertilization after cooling and preservation at 0 ℃ by the use of 5 mM trehalose for Tris-fructose egg yolk diluent. Under these conditions, ram sperm can be more effectively preserved than under other four concentrations of diluents.(AU)

Novo protocolo utilizando ocitocina para induzir a ejaculação em garanhão penectomizado / New protocol using oxytocin to induce ejaculation in penectomized stallion

Background: Several reproductive diseases can prevent ejaculation by the traditional method of collection. Neoplasias as squamous cell carcinoma is the most common tumor of the external genitalia of horses and its lesions usually prevent copulation. The pharmacological induction of ejaculation is an important alternative technique to obtain and preserve the genetic material of stallions incapable of ejaculating by traditional methods of semen collection. However, the protocols currently used have shown questionable results and new protocols are needed in order to increase the success rates. The aim of this study is to report the success of a new protocol in inducing ejaculation when oral imipramine and intravenous oxytocin and detomidine were administrated in a Crioulo stallion.Case: A 9-year-old Crioulo stallion was admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of the São Paulo State University, FMVZUNESP, Botucatu, Brazil, with a history of a mass located on the glans and body of the penis. The histopathological exam confirmed the diagnostic of Squamous cell carcinoma and penectomy was performed. After 10 days of surgery the stallion was submitted to 5 different protocols with 3 days interval between the follow protocols: Imipramine+Xylazine; Imipramine+ Xylazine+Oxytocin; Imipramine+Detomidine and Imipramine+Detomidine+Oxytocin.Discussion: The traditional protocol of pharmacologically-induced ejaculation with imipramine hydrochloride (3 mg/kg/v.o) and xylazine hydrochloride (0.66 mg/kg/iv) was not successful even when oxytocin (20 UI/iv) was added to this protocol. Administration of imipramine hydrochloride (3 mg/kg/v.o) two hours prior to administration of detomidine hydrochloride (0.02 mg/kg/i.v) also did not result in ejaculation. However, administration of imipramine hydrochloride (3 mg/kg/v.o) 2 h prior to administration of detomidine hydrochloride (0.02 mg/kg/i.v) associated with oxytocin (20 U.I/i.v) resulted in ejaculation.[...]

Novo protocolo utilizando ocitocina para induzir a ejaculação em garanhão penectomizado / New protocol using oxytocin to induce ejaculation in penectomized stallion

Background: Several reproductive diseases can prevent ejaculation by the traditional method of collection. Neoplasias as squamous cell carcinoma is the most common tumor of the external genitalia of horses and its lesions usually prevent copulation. The pharmacological induction of ejaculation is an important alternative technique to obtain and preserve the genetic material of stallions incapable of ejaculating by traditional methods of semen collection. However, the protocols currently used have shown questionable results and new protocols are needed in order to increase the success rates. The aim of this study is to report the success of a new protocol in inducing ejaculation when oral imipramine and intravenous oxytocin and detomidine were administrated in a Crioulo stallion.Case: A 9-year-old Crioulo stallion was admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of the São Paulo State University, FMVZUNESP, Botucatu, Brazil, with a history of a mass located on the glans and body of the penis. The histopathological exam confirmed the diagnostic of Squamous cell carcinoma and penectomy was performed. After 10 days of surgery the stallion was submitted to 5 different protocols with 3 days interval between the follow protocols: Imipramine+Xylazine; Imipramine+ Xylazine+Oxytocin; Imipramine+Detomidine and Imipramine+Detomidine+Oxytocin.Discussion: The traditional protocol of pharmacologically-induced ejaculation with imipramine hydrochloride (3 mg/kg/v.o) and xylazine hydrochloride (0.66 mg/kg/iv) was not successful even when oxytocin (20 UI/iv) was added to this protocol. Administration of imipramine hydrochloride (3 mg/kg/v.o) two hours prior to administration of detomidine hydrochloride (0.02 mg/kg/i.v) also did not result in ejaculation. However, administration of imipramine hydrochloride (3 mg/kg/v.o) 2 h prior to administration of detomidine hydrochloride (0.02 mg/kg/i.v) associated with oxytocin (20 U.I/i.v) resulted in ejaculation.[...](AU)

Rearing bucks isolated from females affects negatively their sexual behavior when adults

In some domestic ruminants, contact with females is necessary for normal development of sexual behavior. The aims of this experiment were to determine if rearing bucks isolated from does affects negatively their sexual behavior when adults, and if this negative effect is overcome after four short contacts with females. Sixteen Saanen male kids were maintained during one year in two groups: kids reared in permanent direct contact with four adult goats (FEM;n = 7), and kids that remained isolated from females (ISO; n = 9). When bucks were 12 mo-old, females were removed and both groups were joined in the FEM pen. Nine months later all bucks were individually exposed four times to estrual females for 20 min every 10 days, recording courtship and mounting behaviors. Bucks that were reared with females displayed More courtship behaviors, ejaculations and total mounts(mount attempts, mounts with and without ejaculation; P < 0.0001 for all) than ISO bucks. The combined effect of number of bucks that ejaculated and the time at which they first ejaculated in the first and second tests favored FEM bucks (P < 0.03). It was concluded that the lack of contact with females during the rearing period affects negatively adult bucks sexual performance,an effect that could not be overcome after repeated exposures to estural does.(AU)

Rearing bucks isolated from females affects negatively their sexual behavior when adults

In some domestic ruminants, contact with females is necessary for normal development of sexual behavior. The aims of this experiment were to determine if rearing bucks isolated from does affects negatively their sexual behavior when adults, and if this negative effect is overcome after four short contacts with females. Sixteen Saanen male kids were maintained during one year in two groups: kids reared in permanent direct contact with four adult goats (FEM;n = 7), and kids that remained isolated from females (ISO; n = 9). When bucks were 12 mo-old, females were removed and both groups were joined in the FEM pen. Nine months later all bucks were individually exposed four times to estrual females for 20 min every 10 days, recording courtship and mounting behaviors. Bucks that were reared with females displayed More courtship behaviors, ejaculations and total mounts(mount attempts, mounts with and without ejaculation; P < 0.0001 for all) than ISO bucks. The combined effect of number of bucks that ejaculated and the time at which they first ejaculated in the first and second tests favored FEM bucks (P < 0.03). It was concluded that the lack of contact with females during the rearing period affects negatively adult bucks’ sexual performance,an effect that could not be overcome after repeated exposures to estural does.

O coágulo seminal de primatas neotropicais sob diferentes abordagens biológicas / The seminal coagulum of neotropical primates under different biological approaches

Após a ejaculação o sêmen de primatas pode coagular em consistência variável, dependendo da espécie. Tanto em termos biológicos quanto em aspectos relacionados à manipulação in vitro para fins de desenvolvimento de biotécnicas reprodutivas, a coagulação seminal é tratada por muitos pesquisadores como um evento intrigante, no qual muitas questões básicas que envolvem a constituição e função do coágulo seminal na reprodução neste grupo de mamíferos, incluindo os primatas neotropicais, ainda permanece em aberto. A fim de reunir informações até hoje divulgadas sobre conceito, mecanismos fisiológicos, grupamentos moleculares e aspectos evolutivos relacionados à coagulação seminal, este texto-base busca destacar o progresso e as lacunas nas pesquisas a esse respeito, bem como as particularidades relacionadas aos símios da Amazônia.(AU)

After ejaculation, the semen of primates can coagulate in variable consistency, depending on the species. Both in biological terms and in aspects related to in vitro manipulation for the purpose of developing reproductive biotechniques, seminal coagulation is treated by many researchers as an intriguing event in which many basic issues involving the constitution and function of the seminal coagulum in reproduction in this group of mammals, including the neotropical primates, still remains open. In order to gather information to date on concepts, physiological mechanisms, molecular clusters and evolutionary aspects related to seminal coagulation, this basic text seeks to highlight progress and gaps in research in this regard, as well as the particularities related to Amazonian monkeys.(AU)

O coágulo seminal de primatas neotropicais sob diferentes abordagens biológicas / The seminal coagulum of neotropical primates under different biological approaches

Após a ejaculação o sêmen de primatas pode coagular em consistência variável, dependendo da espécie. Tanto em termos biológicos quanto em aspectos relacionados à manipulação in vitro para fins de desenvolvimento de biotécnicas reprodutivas, a coagulação seminal é tratada por muitos pesquisadores como um evento intrigante, no qual muitas questões básicas que envolvem a constituição e função do coágulo seminal na reprodução neste grupo de mamíferos, incluindo os primatas neotropicais, ainda permanece em aberto. A fim de reunir informações até hoje divulgadas sobre conceito, mecanismos fisiológicos, grupamentos moleculares e aspectos evolutivos relacionados à coagulação seminal, este texto-base busca destacar o progresso e as lacunas nas pesquisas a esse respeito, bem como as particularidades relacionadas aos símios da Amazônia.

After ejaculation, the semen of primates can coagulate in variable consistency, depending on the species. Both in biological terms and in aspects related to in vitro manipulation for the purpose of developing reproductive biotechniques, seminal coagulation is treated by many researchers as an intriguing event in which many basic issues involving the constitution and function of the seminal coagulum in reproduction in this group of mammals, including the neotropical primates, still remains open. In order to gather information to date on concepts, physiological mechanisms, molecular clusters and evolutionary aspects related to seminal coagulation, this basic text seeks to highlight progress and gaps in research in this regard, as well as the particularities related to Amazonian monkeys.

Importância do uso de minerais na dieta de bovinos reprodutores / Importance of the use of minerals in the bovine reproductive diet / Importancia del uso de minerales en la dieta de bovinos reproductores

O manejo nutricional vem sendo considerado como um dos principais responsáveis pelo sucesso da cadeia produtiva da bovinocultura de corte. A reprodução é a função basal mais afetada com a deficiência de minerais na dieta dos bovinos, estes que com a fertilidade diminuída, aumentam os custos da atividade, tornando-a menos rentável. O objetivo deste trabalho foi levantar a literatura disponível sobre a função dos minerais na nutrição de ruminantes, e identificar quais os principais macrominerais e microminerais que em deficiência ou em excesso interferem na espermatogênese de touros. Foi constatado que os minerais de maneira geral podem interferir na formação de um reprodutor bovino desde o desenvolvimento inicial quando ainda bezerro, afetando o crescimento e ganho de peso. Na espermatogênese foi identificado que a deficiência nutricional dos microminerais Zinco (Zn) e Selênio (Se) mais afeta a fertilidade dos touros, causando retardo do desenvolvimento testicular, diminuição da libido e qualidade do ejaculado, bem como aumento de patologias espermáticas.(AU)

Nutritional management has been considered as one of the main factors responsible for the success of the productive chain of beef cattle. Reproduction is the most affected basal function with mineral deficiency in the diet of cattle, those that with decreased fertility, increased activity costs, making it less profitable. The objective was to raise the available literature on the role of minerals in ruminant nutrition, and identify the main macro minerals and trace minerals that deficiency or excess interfere with spermatogenesis of bulls. It was found that the minerals in general can interfere in the formation of a bovine reproductive from the initial development when still calf, affecting the growth and gain of weight. Spermatogenesis was identified that nutritional deficiency of trace minerals zinc (Zn) and Selenium (Se) most affects the fertility of bulls, causing delay testicular development, decreased libido and quality of the ejaculate, as well as increased sperm pathologies.(AU)

El manejo nutricional viene siendo considerado como uno de los principales responsables por el éxito de la cadena productiva de la bovinocultura de corte. La reproducción es la función basal más afectada con la deficiencia de minerales en la dieta de los bovinos, estos que con la fertilidad disminuida, aumentan los costos de la actividad, haciéndola menos rentable. El objetivo de este trabajo fue levantar la literatura disponible sobre la función de los minerales en la nutrición de rumiantes, e identificar cuáles son los principales macrominerales y microminerales que en deficiencia o en exceso interfieren en la espermatogénesis de toros. Se constató que los minerales de manera general pueden interferir en la formación de un criador bovino desde el desarrollo inicial cuando aún becerro, afectando el crecimiento y la ganancia de peso. En la espermatogénesis se identificó que la deficiencia nutricional de los microminerales Zinco (Zn) y Selenio (Se) más afecta la fertilidad de los toros, causando retraso del desarrollo testicular, disminución de la libido y calidad del eyaculado, así como el aumento de patologías espermáticas.(AU)

Importância do uso de minerais na dieta de bovinos reprodutores / Importance of the use of minerals in the bovine reproductive diet / Importancia del uso de minerales en la dieta de bovinos reproductores

O manejo nutricional vem sendo considerado como um dos principais responsáveis pelo sucesso da cadeia produtiva da bovinocultura de corte. A reprodução é a função basal mais afetada com a deficiência de minerais na dieta dos bovinos, estes que com a fertilidade diminuída, aumentam os custos da atividade, tornando-a menos rentável. O objetivo deste trabalho foi levantar a literatura disponível sobre a função dos minerais na nutrição de ruminantes, e identificar quais os principais macrominerais e microminerais que em deficiência ou em excesso interferem na espermatogênese de touros. Foi constatado que os minerais de maneira geral podem interferir na formação de um reprodutor bovino desde o desenvolvimento inicial quando ainda bezerro, afetando o crescimento e ganho de peso. Na espermatogênese foi identificado que a deficiência nutricional dos microminerais Zinco (Zn) e Selênio (Se) mais afeta a fertilidade dos touros, causando retardo do desenvolvimento testicular, diminuição da libido e qualidade do ejaculado, bem como aumento de patologias espermáticas.

Nutritional management has been considered as one of the main factors responsible for the success of the productive chain of beef cattle. Reproduction is the most affected basal function with mineral deficiency in the diet of cattle, those that with decreased fertility, increased activity costs, making it less profitable. The objective was to raise the available literature on the role of minerals in ruminant nutrition, and identify the main macro minerals and trace minerals that deficiency or excess interfere with spermatogenesis of bulls. It was found that the minerals in general can interfere in the formation of a bovine reproductive from the initial development when still calf, affecting the growth and gain of weight. Spermatogenesis was identified that nutritional deficiency of trace minerals zinc (Zn) and Selenium (Se) most affects the fertility of bulls, causing delay testicular development, decreased libido and quality of the ejaculate, as well as increased sperm pathologies.

El manejo nutricional viene siendo considerado como uno de los principales responsables por el éxito de la cadena productiva de la bovinocultura de corte. La reproducción es la función basal más afectada con la deficiencia de minerales en la dieta de los bovinos, estos que con la fertilidad disminuida, aumentan los costos de la actividad, haciéndola menos rentable. El objetivo de este trabajo fue levantar la literatura disponible sobre la función de los minerales en la nutrición de rumiantes, e identificar cuáles son los principales macrominerales y microminerales que en deficiencia o en exceso interfieren en la espermatogénesis de toros. Se constató que los minerales de manera general pueden interferir en la formación de un criador bovino desde el desarrollo inicial cuando aún becerro, afectando el crecimiento y la ganancia de peso. En la espermatogénesis se identificó que la deficiencia nutricional de los microminerales Zinco (Zn) y Selenio (Se) más afecta la fertilidad de los toros, causando retraso del desarrollo testicular, disminución de la libido y calidad del eyaculado, así como el aumento de patologías espermáticas.

The impact of bacterial contamination of the ejaculate and extender on the quality of swine semen doses / O impacto da contaminação bacteriana do ejaculado e do diluente na qualidade das doses inseminantes de suínos

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of the degree of bacterial contamination of boar ejaculate and semen extender on the quality of semen doses. The experiment was conducted in four boar studs, from which raw semen and two semen doses from each ejaculate were collected to evaluate the number of colony-forming units (CFU), pH, sperm morphology and motility. Extender samples were also evaluated for CFU. Ejaculates that had higher levels of contamination (> 220 CFU mL-1) resulted in semen doses with a greater degree of bacterial contamination but with no reduction in motility or alteration in pH. When the semen doses were classified according to the degree of contamination of the extender, a decrease in motility was observed after 108 and 168 h of storage (P < 0.05) in the group whose extender had ≥14,000 CFU mL-1 versus the group whose extender had ≤ 330 CFU mL-1. The pH remained stable during 168 h of storage in semen doses with extender that had lower contamination levels, but decreased from 7.2 to 6.0 between 24 and 168 h of storage (P < 0.05) in the group with extender that had higher levels of contamination. A higher number of abnormal acrosomes (P < 0.05)was observed after 168 h of storage in the semen doses whose extender was highly contaminated. The production of semen doses with low bacterial contamination and high sperm cell viability will only be possible with a strict hygienic control in semen processing, primarily with respect to the extender, combined with minimal contamination during collection.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a influência do grau de contaminação bacteriana do ejaculado do macho suíno e do diluente na qualidade das doses inseminantes. O estudo foi conduzido em quatro centrais de inseminação, onde foram colhidas amostras de sêmen fresco e duas doses inseminantes produzidas a partir de cada uma das referidas amostras de sêmen. As amostras foram avaliadas quanto ao número de Unidades Formadoras de Colônia (UFC) de bactérias mesófilas totais e coliformes, pH, morfologia espermática e motilidade. As amostras de diluente também foram avaliadas quanto ao número de bactérias mesófilas. Ejaculados que apresentaram grau mais elevado de contaminação bacteriana ( > 220 UFC mL-1) resultaram em doses inseminantes com maior nível de contaminação bacteriana, porém não houve redução de motilidade ou alteração de pH. Quando as doses inseminantes foram classificadas de acordo com a contaminação do diluente, um decréscimo na motilidade foi observado após 108 e 168 horas de armazenamento (P < 0,05) no grupo em que o diluente apresentava ≥14.000 UFC mL-1 se comparado com o observado no grupo cujo diluente apresentava ≤ 330 UFC mL-1. O pH permaneceu estável durante as 168 h de armazenamento em doses inseminantes que apresentavam diluentes com menor nível de contaminação, mas diminuiu de 7,2 para 6,0 entre 24 e 168 h de armazenamento (P < 0,05), no grupo com diluente que apresentava o maior nível de contaminação. Um número maior de acrossomas anormais (P < 0,05) foi observado após 168 h de armazenamento em doses inseminantes cujo diluente era altamente contaminado. A produção de doses inseminantes com baixa contaminação bacteriana e alta viabilidade de células espermáticas só é possível com um estrito controle de higiene durante o processamento do sêmen, principalmente no que se refere ao diluente, combinado com uma contaminação mínima durante a coleta do sêmen.(AU)